In the political arena, those with money to spend and a cause to promote often say all they want is “access” once a candidate is elected. They tell us they donate to campaigns not to buy votes — as it appears they are doing — but simply to obtain a fair hearing for their worthy cause.

It is a sweet notion that falls somewhere between the tooth fairy and unicorns on the plausibility index.

The reality is that lobbyists are generally paid to win, not to simply gain access.

Access is influential only if it actually influences someone to adopt a point of view. Of course, there is usually much competition for that influence and lobbyists must use creative tactics.

One such tactic is the political junket. California legislators get whisked off to such desirable locales as Maui and Chile to ostensibly “learn more about the issues.” Nonprofits and foreign governments foot the bill for this grand education.

Such trips are often further justified as allowing legislators to discuss policy away from the partisan pressures of Sacramento. However, these justifications always stop short of explaining why such a noble purpose can be accomplished only in places such as Hawaii and not in, say, Bakersfield or Fresno.

Those explanations are not forthcoming because apologists for the practice know that any reason proffered might peak the plausibility meter to uncharted heights.

For years, these junkets have drawn the ire of government watchdogs, who have been unable to shame legislators into discontinuing the practice. In fact, one industry-paid conference in Maui has become an annual event.

Lopez is to be applauded for advancing the legislation, especially since it has little chance of passing. She will surely feel the wrath of colleagues for doing so.

Lopez is a first-termer and was an upset winner in her race against Raul Bocanegra. This bill further establishes her as a Sacramento outsider, which isn’t particularly fun.

If she doubts that, she should talk with Contra Costa County Clerk/Recorder Joe Canciamilla, who spent six years trying to inject reason and ethics into the Assembly and wound up so ostracized his caucus could meet comfortably in a broom closet.

Still, Lopez deserves high marks for the effort.

This is a practice built on the fallacy that legislators playing golf and partying in Hawaii at someone else’s expense will somehow lead to better government.

It is possible — no, likely — that those paying the tab for the trip will get what they think is better government, but it is unlikely the rest of us will.